March 04, 2014

It's A Vlad, Vlad, Vlad, Vlad World

Sleeve Insignia of the Russian Black Sea Fleet.

Even the Russians don't seem to quite know what they're doing over there in Ukraine. After all, during the past three months, their Foreign Affairs ministry repeatedly warned outsiders not to get involved in Ukraine. Now, all of a sudden, Pooty-Poot sends in troops, Soetero blusters, and Pooty recalls his ambassador from D.C.

Now what? Sure, the bases of the Black Sea Fleet are secure, but the Ukrainian soldiers elsewhere in the region don't seem to have been intimidated; despite a demand for surrender, they've not done it. And while Pooty says he can use force, he doesn't seem in a hurry to do so - and why would he be? That would risk damaging the natural gas distribution infrastructure by which they push the stuff to Europe, and the ruble's on shaky enough ground as it is.

Starting a war there doesn't seem to be in Russia's best interest, and perhaps more importantly, it seems unlikely to benefit Putin personally.